Tag: mint

Posted on

A 3-Course Valentine’s Day Meal that’s Truly Good for the Heart

There is a lot of hype around Valentine’s Day. Guys, I’m going to throw you a bone here, you have it rough. Many of us ladies expect you to plan something romantic, original and surprising. That’s a lot of pressure! And, if you’re the kind that likes to go out and chip away at Washingtonian’s Top 100 list or the DC Eater Heatmap, chances are you’re looking at elusive reservations and pricey checks.

In lieu of all the production and planning, dare I suggest you…eat at home? A homemade meal enjoyed in the comfort of your own home might just be the most unique and thoughtful gastronomic gesture of all. Better yet, you’ll be healthier, richer and experience way more intimacy than if you were squished into banquette seating with hoards of other couples out on the town.

To help get those culinary creative juices flowing, here are three of my favorite heart-healthy and delicious recipes perfect for a party of two “prix fixe menu”.

 

Starter: Plum, Kale and Feta Salad

photo-11-676x675

Heart-healthy ingredient: Kale. Kale is rich in lutein, a compound recently linked to preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

 

Main: Apple Pecan Butter Salmon, Sriracha-Maple Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes 

Salmon-Fillets

Heart-healthy ingredient: Salmon. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and reduce inflammation in blood vessels.

 

Dessert: Gluten Free Strawberry Balsamic Tart

Gluten Free Strawberry Balsamic Tart

Heart-healthy ingredient: Strawberry. Strawberries contain heart-healthy essentials fiber, potassium and antioxidants, and are naturally fat, sodium and cholesterol-free.

 

Posted on

Gluten Free Strawberry Balsamic Tart with Mint

Two weeks ago, I shared a recipe for Gluten Free Pie Crust. On this Meatless Monday, it’s time to fill it!

With all the yummy fresh strawberries I’ve been receiving in my weekly From the Farmer basket, I couldn’t resist making a Strawberry Balsamic Tart. This sweet and savory treat is perfect for a summer night and easy to transport to a friend’s BBQ as long as you leave it in the pan. It’s on the healthier side of dessert so feel free to indulge guilt-free or perhaps break the rules and have it for breakfast!

Gluten Free Strawberry Balsamic Tart


What You’ll Need:

  • 1 recipe of Gluten Free Pie Crust
  • 1/2 cup + 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp raw (or lavender-infused…) honey
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (washed, hulled and sliced) – or about 2 cups sliced
  • 5-10 mint leaves
How to Make It:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 F.
  2. Add balsamic to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until reduced by about half. Let cool and it should form into a nice syrup or “reduction.”
  3. Melt honey and add to the balsamic reduction. Stir to combine.
  4. Roll pie crust thin between two sheets of parchment paper. This doesn’t have to be perfect as you’ll press it into your pie dish or tart pan. Make sure you get all the way up to the edges and rim of the pan and spread the dough around evenly.
  5. In a large bowl, mix cut strawberries and balsamic/honey mix. Spread mixture evenly inside crust.
  6. Bake for 25-30 min or until the crust edges turn a nice golden brown. Remove and let cool 10-30 min. 
  7. Cut up mint leaves and sprinkle on top. Serve on its own or with a rounded scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet.
Don’t forget, my readers receive 20% off their first 4 From the Farmer baskets with code ‘MOARfit’ at checkout!